This certification is granted by The GripBoard as an independent third party with no ethical or commercial conflict of interest.
The Mash Monster Gripper is one of a limited number supplied and controlled by The GripBoard.
The gripper is closed with one hand under strict and uniformly ethical and authenticated conditions.
This momentous feat was demonstrated on video to assure it will be valid for posterity.

Current Grip Training Program
I train grippers, pinch, thick bar and my wrists each once a week in their own workout.

Other Training Info
I have been weight training 3-4 days a week for the last 10 years.

Acknowledgements
I want to thank my sister, Daniella Fiorilli, for being supportive and doing a great job as my camera person. I also want to acknowledge Andrew Durniat, Paul Knight, Jedd Johnson, Daniel Reinard and Brent Barbe for motivating me to get involved in grip sport.

Cesare Ricchezza, the 14th man in the world to close the Mash Monster Gripper - Level 4.

I was thin when I graduated from high school, but met 2 guys who were into weight lifting when I went away to college. They took me to the gym and I fell in love with the training. I started reading everything I could about weight training. Weight lifting is now a huge part of my life.

How did you get into grip training?

I was watching the “World’s Strongest Man” competition one year and they mentioned that Magnus Samuelsson is one of only 5 people who have certified on the captains of crush #4 gripper. I researched the grippers on the internet and ordered the #1 and #2 grippers. I closed both of these grippers on my first try and was amazed when other strong guys I knew couldn’t. I ordered the #2.5 and #3 right away. I was able to close the #2.5 on first try but the #3 stopped me in my tracks. I was hooked at this point and made it my goal to certify on the #3 gripper.

You are now a GripBoard Mash Monster, what would you recommend to those aspiring to close this gripper?

Experiment and learn what training routine works best for you. Make sure not to make the common mistake of overtraining. Always set small goals along the way to keep yourself motivated.

What does your current grip routine look like?

It changes constantly. I keep a regular workout log on the gripboard if anyone is interested in following my progress.

How has your grip routine changed since you first started training your grip?

When I first started training, I didn’t even have a routine. I was overtraining and not making much progress. I was obsessed and trying to crank out countless gripper reps every day.

There seems to be a significant variation in the frequency of grip workouts among trainees. Have you experimented with workout frequency and it’s affect on your training?

I experiment all the time. It keeps my training fresh and helps me bust through plateaus.

What are your favorite grip exercises?

My absolute favorite grip exercise is grippers of course! I also enjoy training the axle double overhand deadlift and the Euro two hand pinch because I want to become a stronger all around grip competitor.

Who do you most admire in gripdom?

Paul Knight, Tim Struse, Andrew Durniat, Jedd Johnson, Daniel Reinard, Brent Barbe and Aaron Corcorran are some of the guys that I admire most but there are many more.

If you were to start over again with your grip training, what would you do differently?

I would have followed a grip routine earlier.

What do you believe is the most difficult grip exercise?

Euro two hand pinch because training it high volume tears up the thumb webbing.